Hybrid cars currently available
Hybrids in development, Future technologies
Hybrid car owner comments
email newsletter
sign up
There are two types of gasoline-electric hybrid cars: the parallel hybrid and the series hybrid. In a parallel hybrid car, a gasoline engine and an electric motor work together to move the car forward, while in a series hybrid the gasoline engine either directly powers an electric motor that powers the vehicle or charges batteries that will power the motor.
Hybrid cars also gain efficiency from:
Regenerative braking - the electric motor that drives the hybrid can also slow the car. In this mode, the electric motor acts as a generator and charges the batteries while the car is slowing down.
Periodic engine shut off - when a hybrid car is stopped in traffic, the engine is temporarily shut off. It restarts automatically when put back into gear.
Advanced aerodynamics - to reduce drag
Low-rolling resistance (LLR) tires - narrow, stiffer tires have less drag
Lightweight materials - increases the efficiency of hybrid cars.
These gas-electric hybrid cars are now available in North America:
Saturn Aura Hybrid
Toyota Prius
Toyota Camry Hybrid
Nissan Altima Hybrid
Honda Insight Hybrid
Ford Escape Hybrid SUV
Lexus 250h Hybrid
Lexus 450h Hybrid SUV
Toyota Highlander Hybrid SUV
Mercury Mariner Hybrid SUV
*Saturn Vue Hybrid
*Chevy Malibu Hybrid
* no longer being built
HYBRID CARS IN THE NEWS
20 Nov 2009 - Houston to convert Priuses to plug-ins
20 Nov 2009 - Consumer reports rates top two hybrid cars
17 Nov 2009 - Consumer Reports tests features of hybrid cars
15 Nov 2009 - 2011 Buick Regal to be a hybrid? Even a plug-in?
13 Nov 2009 - Hybrid cars hit pedestriansand bikers more often than conventional cars, study says
12 Nov 2009 - GM board approves plug-in Cadillac hybrid - sources
6 Nov 2009 - Testing hybrid cars in Vermont
5 Nov 2009 - Toyota first with Australian made hybrid
3 Nov 2009 - Car wars: Toyota locked in litigation over hybrids
3 Nov 2009 - Sanyo to supply hybrid car batteries to Peugeot
4 door/5 seat sedan
transmission: CVT automatic or manual
mileage (mpg): 40 city/ 45 hwy
range per fillup: 650 miles
2009 US Base Retail Price: $23,800
Full climate control, Micron air filtration
Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS)
Speed-Sensitive Volume Control (SVC)
New USB Audio Interface
Keyless Remote Entry
Dual-Stage Front and Dual Side Airbags
Anti-Theft Immobilizer
Available: Bluetooth HandsFreeLink®
Tire Pressure Monitoring System Indicator
Available: Honda Satellite Linked Navigation
110-hp,8-Valve, SOHC, i-VTEC® 4-cylinder engine with Integrated Motor Assist IMA®
Drive-By-Wire™ Throttle System; Dual-point sequential ignition system
Electric Power Steering (EPS), variable-assist rack-and-pinion
Fuel Capacity/Type Required: 12.3 gallons (46 liters) / Regular Unleaded
Brakes: Power-assisted ventilated front disc/rear drum with Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
Tires: P185/70R14 LLR (low rolling-resistance) on 14" aluminum alloy wheels; All-Season Radials
4 door/5 passenger midsize sedan
transmission: 4-speed automatic
mileage (mpg): 26 city/ 34 hwy
range per fillup: 420 - 550 miles
2010 US Base Retail Price: $26,240
Single-zone automatic climate control
6 speaker radio system, audio input jack
Driver Shift Control - steering wheel shift control
Center high-mounted LED stoplight, LED tail lamps
2 12v power outlets, Center console dual-bin storage
Passenger Sensing System
Dual-Stage Front Airbags, Side Curtain Airbags
Advanced Audio System AM/FM/CD/MP3 (option)
XM® Satellite Radio (option), Bluetooth (option)
Theff Deterrent System
ECOTEC 2.4L 4-cylinder (164 hp [122.3 kW] @ 6400 rpm, 159 lb-ft of torque
StabiliTrak, Stability Control with traction control
Front-wheel drive. 4-speed automatic transmission
Fuel Capacity/Type Required: 16.3 gallons (62 liters) / Regular Unleaded
Brakes: 4-wheel disc disc with 4-wheel Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
Tires: P215/55R17 touring, blackwall 17" All-Season Radials; Tire inflation kit (deletes spare tire, jack, tool kit)
4 door/5 seat sedan
transmission: eCVT auto or 6-speed manual
mileage (mpg): 35 city/ 33 hwy
range per fillup (miles) : 600+
2010 US Base Retail Price: $26,780
Air Conditioning, separate passenger climate control
Voice-activated GPS, traffic, weather, restaurant guide
Rear-view monitor (option)
Vehicle stability control system, traction control
XM Satellite Radio, DVD in-dash, iPod USB connectivity
Keyless Remote Entry, Intelligent Key Feature
Driver, passenger, side head curtain airbags
Available Bluetooth Hands-free phone system
Tire inflation/pressure monitor
Anti-Theft Immobilizer, Trunk anti-trap device
2.5 liter I-4, engine with 40-horsepower electric motor, delivering 199 lb-ft of torque
Horsepower: 198 hp @ 5200rpm
6-speed manual transmission; automatic transmisson also available
Aluminum alloy body, front and rear crumple zones, side-impact door beams, anti-lock braking system
Fuel Capacity/Type Required: 20 gallons (75 liters) / Regular Unleaded
Tires: 215/60 R16 16" Lightweight Alloy; All-Season Radials
4 door/5 seat sedan w/ liftback
transmission: CVT automatic
mileage (mpg): 51 city/ 48 hwy
range per fillup: 547 miles
2010 US Base Retail Price: $25,800
Full climate control, CFC-Free Air Conditioning
Traffic reports integrated with DVD-based navigation system
Voice-activated navigation; "text to speech"
Four-disc CD changer, MP3 CD support; 8 JBL speakers
Backup camera, adaptive cruise control
Smart Key System
Driver and front passenger Advanced Airbag System
Graphic display of steering wheel button settings
Satellite radio; Bluetooth phone interface
Heated/cooled seats: Solar roof option
1.8-liter inline 4-cylinder with hybrid system; Horsepower: 134 (gas-electric combined)
Available in four trim levels, which Toyota dubs II, III, IV, and V
Multi-point EFI with Electronic Throttle Control System with intelligence
Fuel Capacity/Type Required: 11.9 gallons (46 liters) / Regular Unleaded
Brakes: Power-assisted ventilated front disc/rear drum with standard Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
Wheels:15-in. 6-spoke alloy wheels with P185/65R15 tires
4 door/5 passenger midsize sedan
transmission: eCVT automatic
mileage (mpg): 41 city/ 36 hwy
range per fillup: up to 700 in-town miles
2010 US Base Retail Price: $27,625
Dual-zone automatic temperature control
2 12-volt power outlets, 110-volt power point
SmartGauge instrument cluster with EcoGuide
6-disc in-dash CD, MP3-playback, Sirius Satellite Radio
Sync-equipped for voice-controlled audio
SecuriCode keyless entry pad, SecuriLock anti-theft
Rear view camera
Speed-sensitive windshield wipers
Fold-down fold-flat front passenger seat
Sony premium audio system
2.5L 4-cylinder Atkinson-Cycle I-4 Hybrid engine,106-horsepower AC electric motor
Horsepower (SAE net at rpm): 191 net; Torque: 136 @ 4500
Electric Power-Assisted Steering, All-Wheel Drive
4-wheel anti-lock disc brakes; AdvanceTrac (ESC) w/brake activated traction control
Fuel Capacity/Type Required: 17.5 gallons / Regular Unleaded
Tires: P225/50VR17 all-season BSW tires, 17" 15-spoke aluminum wheels, Tire pressure monitoring system
4 door/5 passenger midsize sedan
transmission: CVT automatic
mileage (mpg): 33 city/34 hwy
range per fillup: 585 miles
2009 US Base Retail Price: $26,150
Curtain side and driver's knee air bags
Anti-skid traction control
Multi-adjustable front bucket seats
Tire-pressure monitor system
JBL audio system with Bluetooth technology
Keyless entry/starting system
PlasmaclusterTM ionizer cabin air purifier
“ECO” button limits HVAC energy consumption
Heated outside rear-view mirrors
GPS navigation unit (optional)
Twin cam, 2.4L inline four-cylinder 2AZ-FXE Atkinson-cycle engine, which generates 147 hp
Horsepower: 192 net (gas-electric combined)
Electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (ECVT)
Fuel Capacity/Type Required: 17.2 gallons (63 liters) / Regular Unleaded
Brakes: Power-assisted ventilated 4-wheel disc brakes with standard Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
Tires: Regular (not LRR) 16" All-Season Radials - 215/60; Wheels: 16" steel
5 door hatchback/4.5 seat compact sedan
transmission: 4-speed CVT automatic
mileage (city/hwy): 40/43
range per fillup: 585 miles
2010 US Base Retail Price: $19,800
Automatic climate control
Steering wheel mounted Multi Information Display
Tire pressure monitoring system, EcoAssist system
60/40 split rear fold-down seat back
Projector-beam halogen headlights w/chrome bezels
Outboard lower anchors & tethers for children
Air bags, dual-stage frontal and side-impact
Immobilizer theft deterrent system
Maintenance Minder system
Optional Satellite Navigation w/ Voice Recognition
1.3L SOHC MPFI 8-valve i-VTEC I4 engine w/permanent-magnet electric motor. Integrated Motor Assist.
Steering: Rack-and-pinion with electric power assist
Drivetrain: Front Wheel Drive
Fuel Capacity/Type Required: 10.6 gallons / Regular Unleaded
Brakes: Power ventilated front disc/ rear drum brakes with 4-wheel ABS w/ electronic brake distribution (EBS)
Wheels: 15" steel; Tires: P175/65SR15 all season, blackwall, LLR
4 door/5 seat SUV
transmission: CVT automatic
mileage (city/hwy): 2wd 34/31 | 4wd 29/27
range per fillup: 435 - 510 miles
2009 US Base Retail Price: $29,305 (2WD)
Manual Air Conditioning
AM/FM stereo with 6-disc in-dash CD system
Roof rack with 2 horizontal bars
Lip and rear-wheel spoilers, rear anti-roll bar
Voice-activated SYNC entertainment system
Keyless Remote Entry
Driver and front passenger airbag system
Side air curtains, rollover sensor, front side airbags
Perimeter alarm
Sirius Travel Link system with 911 Assist
2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine, combined with a 65-kilowatt electric motor (optional 3.0 liter V6)
Horsepower: 170 (gas-electric combined); 230hp with 3.0 liter V6
Steering: Rack-and-pinion with electric power assist
Fuel Capacity/Type Required: 15 gallons (60 liters) / Regular Unleaded
Brakes: Power-assisted ventilated 4-wheel disc with ABS and integrated regenerative braking
Tires: P235/70R16 A/S BSW tires; All-Season Radials, Hybrid-unique 16" aluminum wheels
4 door/5 seat SUV
transmission: ECVT automatic
mileage (mpg): 32city/ 28hwy
range per fillup: 450 - 530 miles
2010 US Base Retail Price: $41,600 - $43, 250
Dual-zone automatic climate control
Lexus 8-speaker sound system, 6-disk CD
Power tilt and slide moon roof
Transceiver to operate garage doors, lights
Part-time all-wheel drive (AWD)
Voice activated navigation system
XM Nav, Traffic, Weather; standard Bluetooth
Lexus Memory System for mirrors, seat, wheel
Smart Key remote entry system
Accessory power outlet in cargo area
3.5-liter V6 engine w/ Atkinson Cycle valve timing; front and rear high-output, permanent-magnet electric-drive motors
Available in FWD and AWD versions; Horsepower: 296 total system horsepower
Steering: Rack-and-pinion with electric power assist
Fuel Capacity/Type Required: 17.2 gallons (65 liters) / Regular Unleaded
Brakes: Four-wheel power-assisted disc brakes with regenerative function
Wheels/Tires: 18-in alloy wheels with 235/55VR18 all-season tires
4 door/5 seat SUV
transmission: ECVT automatic
mileage (city/hwy): 2wd 33/28 | 4wd 31/27
range per fillup: 450 - 550 miles
2009 US Base Retail Price: $34,700
Power tilt/slide moonroof with sunshade
Roof Rack System
3.5" multi-function display w/ backup camera
AM/FM CD player with MP3/WMA playback
Driver and passenger Advanced Airbag System
CFC-free automatic digital climate control system
Color-keyed heated foldable power outside mirrors
4-Wheel Drive with intelligence (4WD-i) (optional)
HomeLink®5 universal transceiver
Second-row roll-sensing side curtain airbags
3.3-liter double overhead cam V6 gas motor; torque @ rpm: 212 @ 4400 (foot/pounds)
Horsepower: 268 total system horsepower
Steering: Electronic power steering (EPS) - rack-and-pinion with power assist
Fuel Capacity/Type Required: 17.2 gallons (65 liters) / Regular Unleaded
Brakes: Electronically controlled braking system with ABS and electronic brake distribution
Wheels/Tires: 19-in. split 5-spoke aluminum alloy wheels with P245/55R19 all-season tires
4 door/5 seat SUV (available 2x4, 4x4)
transmission: ECVT automatic
mileage (city/hwy): 34/31 | 4wd 29/27
range per fillup: 400 - 510 miles
2009 US MSRP: 2wd: $29,750 4wd: $31,500
Front dual reclining bucket seats
Rear and side privacy glass
AM/FM radio, 6-Disc CD changer, MP3 player
Remote keyless entry via key fob and door pad
Anti-Theft SecuriLock engine immobilizer
Automatic climate control system
Dual foldable power external rearview mirrors
Side guard door beams; Crash sensors
Driver/passenger airbags w/ dual-stage deployment
Front and rear side head curtain airbags
2.5-liter I-4 Atkinson cycle engine, 133hp @ 6000rpm & electric motor 94hp @ 5000rpm
Horsepower: 153 total system horsepower
Steering: Electronic power steering (EPS) - rack-and-pinion with power assist
Fuel Capacity/Type Required: 15 gallons (57 liters) / Regular Unleaded
Brakes: 4-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, regenerative braking system
Wheels/Tires: 16-in x 7-in alloy wheels with SBRP235/70TR16 BSW all-season tires
4 door/5 seat SUV (available 2x4, 4x4)
transmission: 4-speed auto; 5-speed manual
mileage (city/hwy): 34/31
range per fillup: 465 - 510 miles
2009 US MSRP: fwd: $28,175 4wd: $29,925
Folding 60/40 rear seats w/ removable cushions
Rear and side privacy glass
AM/FM radio, CD with 4 speakers
Remote keyless entry via key fob and door pad
Anti-Theft SecuriLock engine immobilizer
Tire pressure monitoring system
Heated door mirrors
Rollover Stability Control (RSC)
Driver/passenger airbags w/ dual-stage deployment
Side curtain airbags for first and second rows
2.5-liter I-4 Atkinson cycle engine, 153hp @ 5800rpm & electric motor 94hp @ 5000rpm
Horsepower: 153 total system horsepower
Steering: Electronic power steering (EPS) - rack-and-pinion with power assist
Fuel Capacity/Type Required: 15 gallons (57 liters) / Regular Unleaded
Brakes: 4-wheel anti-lock disc brakes,Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBFD)
Wheels/Tires: 16-in x 7-in aluminum alloy wheels with 235/70R16 all season T-rated tires
Automakers are now developing new hybrid car models at a rapid pace. Here's a look at hybrid cars under development, and 'best estimate' dates for availablity to the consumer market:
Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid - midsize sedan
cancelled models:
2007 Honda Accord - this is the last model year for the Accord Hybrid
2006 Honda Insight - the old Insight line ends with the 2006 model
Chrysler Aspen - production cancelled due to lowered oil prices
Chrysler Durango - production cancelled due to lowered oil prices
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 - full-size crew-cab pickup
Prius - third-generation model is slightly larger, with improved power and mpg
Cadillac Escalade - full-size sport utility vehicle
Chevrolet Tahoe
GMC Yukon
Honda Insight - a new model of the hybrid Civic at a lower price
Mercury Montego - fullsize sedan
Chevrolet Volt - plug-in hybrid
Honda Fit - small sedan entering the market at a low price for hybrids
Honda CR-Z - hybrid sports car
Hyundai Sonata - first Korean hybrid in the US. Will use lithium-ion batteries.
Mercury Milan - new sedan model
Buick Regal - preliminary plans point to 2011 model featuring the drive train developed for the Saturn Vue.
Electric Drive Transportation Association
Information about electric vehicles, events, emissions, environmental impacts and more.
The US Office of Transportation Technologies Information about alternative fuel, hybrids and advanced transportation technologies.
FuelEconomy.gov - side by side comparisons
About.com - guidance in choosing a hybrid
Research Hybrid Cars - comparison data for hybrid cars
Lexus Hybrid - For information about the Lexus RX400h SUV and GS450h gas / electric hybrid cars.
The Top 10 Fuel-efficient Cars of 2010 - According to the EPA's new ranking system for fuel-eficiency.
Plug-in Cars - The new models of plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEV) currently in development.
Fuel-Efficient Driving - You can boost the overall fuel-efficiency of your car as much as 30% by simple vehicle maintenance and attention to your style of driving.
Car Sharing - Get around town in a shared car, and save yourself the costs of car ownership.
Energy-Efficient Vehicles - the best and worst of the 2008 models.
eartheasy
Sign
up for Eartheasy's free email newsletter.
Hybrid Cars
Eartheasy.com © 2000-2009
Last update: 20 Nov 2009
